Persuasive speaking & writing for modern young people

Classical Rhetoric is a high school–level course grounded in the tradition of Aristotle, focused on clear thinking, persuasive writing, and effective speech. Through the study and practice of classical rhetorical principles, students learn to analyze arguments, communicate with confidence, and speak with wisdom shaped by a biblical worldview. Designed for serious upper-level students, the course meets weekly in person and prepares students for advanced study, public discourse, and faithful Christian leadership.

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Classical Rhetoric

Availability: Based on enrollment

Schedule: In-person, once weekly; supplemented by at-home exercises 3–4 days per week

Course Overview:

Classical Rhetoric is a high school level course focused on the theory of communication and the fundamentals of composition, emphasizing both writing and speech preparation and delivery. Rooted in Aristotle’s principles of persuasion and other historic texts, this course helps students sharpen their writing skills and develop confident oral communication.

What Students Will Learn:

• Analyze persuasive discourse to discern explicit and implicit intentions of authors and speakers
• Apply the five canons of rhetoric—invention, arrangement, elocution, memory, and delivery
• Explore the three branches of rhetoric: deliberative, ceremonial, and judicial
• Prepare and deliver multiple short speeches and written presentations, culminating in a major semester speech
• Develop a biblical worldview of literature, composition, and public speaking
• Build a foundation for Senior Thesis research and presentation in the following year

Prerequisites:

Students should have mastery of basic English grammar and composition, ideally having completed The Lost Tools of Writing or an equivalent course.

Why This Course Matters:

Classical Rhetoric is an essential companion to the upper-level Omnibus curriculum, helping older high school students connect ideas across literature, history, and Scripture while gaining practical skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking.

This course is for the student desiring practical help in areas like these: ​​

• Sharpening competency in writing
• Becoming a discerning listener and reader
• Constructing and delivering sound arguments
• Creating and organizing material for presentation
• Arranging ideas for maximum impact
• Identifying goals, obstacles, and means of persuasion
• Expanding one’s influence over a listening or reading audience
• Developing confidence and style in oral presentation
• Applying principles and methods of communicating Christianly

Booklist*

Primary Texts:​

• The Rhetoric Companion (Wilson & Wilson)
• The Rhetoric and the Poetics of Aristotle (Roberts, trans.)
• How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers (Naselli)

Secondary Texts:

• Institutio Oratoria (selections provided by teacher)
• Rhetorica Ad Herennium (selections provided by teacher)
• The Elements of Style, 4th Edition (Strunk & White)

* Represents an unofficial list. A confirmed booklist will be provided for registered students.